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New students

Discover our community

Last updated: 16/04/2026 16:05

Whether you are coming to Cardiff from near or far, you’ll be joining a thriving community.

Find your community

Our inclusive community is brilliantly diverse and includes social and cultural opportunities for students to come together throughout the academic year.

Whatever you’re into, you’ll find like-minded people across the Students’ Union’s 200 societies and 70 sports clubs.

Freshers Fairs are a great time to explore the different societies and speak to students who are involved.

Find out more about sports and recreation.

There are many ways to explore what it means to be Welsh or immerse yourself in the Welsh language and culture at university.

You can also join the Cardiff Branch of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol to improve your Welsh language skills and career prospects and learn more about the scholarships available.

Studying at Cardiff means you are part of a community that cares about your wellbeing. Our inclusive community offers a range of support:

  • multi-faith chaplaincy for students of all faiths or none
  • daycare centre for students with young children
  • peer-to-peer support with students trained to give practical help. Choose your support for undergraduate or postgraduate students, LGBTQ+ students, international students and disabled or neurodivergent students
  • social and cultural events to meet fellow students and come together throughout the academic year.
  • our Together at Cardiff programme provides support for students who are care experienced, estranged, military experienced, young carers or who are seeking asylum.

Our Residence Life team is made up of students and staff. They run activities, like board games evenings, social runs in the park, and crafts nights. They’ll help you settle in from your very first day.

For international students, we know it can be hard moving to a new country. Our diverse Residence Life Team are here to help you settle into a different culture, quickly meet people and make wonderful friends.

If making a difference to those who need it most is what inspires you, then many of our student groups run fundraising events and volunteering projects across our local communities. Learn about our civic mission and how you can get involved in local projects.

Protecting our community

Our campuses and the surrounding areas are not immune to crime and safety issues, but together, we can help each other stay safe.

Staying safe

  • our Security team patrol campus 24/7 and are happy to chat to you if you have any security concerns or questions
  • pick up a free personal safety alarm from the Centre for Student Life when you arrive on campus
  • download our SafeZone app - a quick and easy way to alert our Security team or South Wales Police when you need help or assistance. Log in to the app with your Cardiff University username and password
  • we have specialist staff to support students affected by harassment, hate crime, sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying and other forms of unacceptable behaviour
  • Cardiff Students’ Union supports students to enjoy events safely through a range of safety initiatives, while encouraging everyone to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe
  • The Cardiff Safety Bus, run in partnership with South Wales Police, operates in the city centre every Wednesday during term time and every Friday and Saturday night, offering support to anyone who needs it
  • Safer Students is a collaborative project between South Wales Police and all south Wales universities – meet the South Wales Police Student Liaison Officers and Student Police Volunteers at Freshers’ events on campus

Useful links to local authorities and organisations